Written Answers Nos. 31-43
31. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence the recommendations from the Commission on the Defence Forces report regarding cyber defence capabilities that his Department is considering for implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23720/22]
View answerIn terms of cyber security, at national level, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications has the lead role with inputs in the security domain from An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces.
The National Cyber Security Centre, which is part of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, is the primary authority responsible for cyber security in the State, including incident response, cyber resilience and information provision. While the primary role of the Defence Forces with regard to Cyber Security relates to the defence and security of its own networks and systems, the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are committed to participating, under the leadership of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, in the delivery of measures to improve the Cyber Security of the State. This is being done in line with the Programme for Government commitment to implement the National Cyber Security Strategy, recognising the potential and important role of the Defence Forces.
Officials in my Department and members of the Defence Forces work closely with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and other Government Departments and Agencies to support measures to deal with cyber challenges. A member of the Defence Forces is also currently seconded to the Co-operative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn, Estonia. The Centre is involved in carrying out cyber-defence focused training awareness campaigns, workshops, and courses and developing and conducting cyber defence-focused exercises.
The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces contains many detailed recommendations, including ones related to cyber defence, and there is a process underway to consider these recommendations. This includes inter-departmental consultation as appropriate. The intent is to revert to Government with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in advance of the summer recess. It would be inappropriate for me to pre-empt this deliberative process in advance of Government consideration.
33. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide details of Ireland's contribution to the defence of Ukraine through the Common Security and Defence Policy of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23836/22]
View answer56. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the supports that have been sent to the Ukrainian army; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23800/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 56 together.
The European Peace Facility allows the EU to support the capabilities and resilience of the Ukrainian armed forces. In February, March and again in April of 2022, the Council of the European Union adopted assistance measures under the European Peace Facility (EPF). To date, a €1.5 billion package has been approved that will allow the EU to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces in defending the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country, and to protect the civilian population against the ongoing Russian military aggression.
In line with the commitment laid out in the 2020 Programme for Government and the provisions of the memorandum on the European Peace Facility (EPF), approved by the Irish government in March 2021, Ireland’s financial contribution supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces via the EPF is directed towards providing non-lethal support such as food, medicine and personal protection equipment which have been specifically requested by the government of Ukraine. This equipment could include such items as body armour and helmets. A similar approach is followed by both Austria and Malta.
Ireland is providing its full contribution to the EPF assistance measures, Ireland’s contribution currently stands at €33m. It is expected that a further tranche of funding for Ukraine via the EPF will be proposed in the coming days, potentially taking the total support provided by the EU to €2 billion. If this proposal is approved, Ireland's share will stand at approximately €44m.
Following a direct request from Ukraine, the Defence Forces has provided approximately 10 tonnes or 5,000 units of ready-to-eat meals and 200 units of body armour which have been shipped from Defence Forces stocks to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The contribution of the ready-to-eat meals and body armour is a specific element of the Government’s contribution through the European Peace Facility and is in addition to the further €20 million provided in humanitarian assistance to the UN and the Red Cross which is already being disbursed through UN and NGO partners in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries.
It also includes a dedicated Ukraine civil society fund of €2 million specifically to support NGOs responding to the crisis.
In addition, Ireland is also providing a further €3 million to the to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to assist with regard to all situations before the court.
34. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Defence the current strength of the Defence Forces in each of the services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23505/22]
View answer37. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Defence the way that he plans to recruit additional Defence Forces members; the remuneration package that he plans to offer existing and new members of the Irish Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23834/22]
View answer43. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Defence the steps that he will take to improve the recruitment and retention of personnel in the Defence Forces; the position regarding the implementation of recommendations of the Public Service Pay Commission 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23816/22]
View answer54. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence the timeframe for increasing the strength of the Defence Forces by 3,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23501/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 34, 37, 43 and 54 together.
As of the 31st of March 2022, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stands at 8,366 personnel, consisting of 6,778 Army personnel, 733 Air Corps personnel and 855 Naval Service Personnel.
The report of the Commission on the Defence Forces has made it clear that the level of ambition (LOA) for the Defence Forces must be elevated beyond that at which it is operating at the moment.
The report outlines three levels of ambition. LOA 1 is essentially proceeding as we are at present and trying to move back to a full establishment figure of 9,500. The Commission has concluded that this would leave the Defence Forces unable to mount a credible defence of the State. LOA 2 would address specific priority gaps to improve on-island and overseas capabilities. LOA 3, would bring Ireland in line with other small neutral European countries in terms of spend. I am on the record as saying that LOA 2 is the minimum that we should aim for. This level of ambition will require an additional 2000 personnel beyond the establishment figure of 9,500 and an increase in the defence budget of some 50%. The Defence Forces are responsible for recruitment and I have requested them to examine their recruitment practices and structures to facilitate this increase in numbers.
This Commission report also includes, inter alia, consideration of issues relating to culture, recruitment and retention, working hours, work-life balance, training, promotion, diversity and a host of other matters all of which will have an impact on job satisfaction and morale. Following relevant consultation, I will revert to Government with a proposed response to the Commission's recommendations and a high-level action plan, which will set out proposed timelines and oversight arrangements for its implementation.
In the interim, my focus remains on restoring all branches of the Defence Forces to the current agreed strength and in that context, there are a number of initiatives which are presently being implemented to counter ongoing staffing challenges. Most of the 15 projects undertaken to facilitate the implementation of the Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC) Report on Recruitment and Retention have been completed or are now being progressed in other forums. There is ongoing general service and direct entry recruitment and some 110 personnel have been inducted to date in 2022. Retention measures include service commitment schemes in the Air Corps and Naval Service, and the sea-going naval personnel tax credit. Pay has improved as a result of increases arising from the PSPC report and from recent pay agreements. Agreement has also been reached on the extension of service limits for privates and corporals, with discussions ongoing relating to sergeants.
35. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence if members of the Defence Forces at the rank of sergeant who are affected by the situation regarding the post-94 contracts will be informed by his Department as to whether they will be allowed to remain in service as per his announcement in December 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23755/22]
View answerA civil/military review of mandatory retirement ages and service limits of all ranks in the Permanent Defence Force has been conducted. The recommendations arising from the review require consideration from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to implications on costs and pensions.
In December 2021, I secured agreement with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, which allows for an extension in service limits for Privates and Corporals, who were recruited to the Permanent Defence Force since 1 January 1994, to remain in service up to 50 years of age, subject to them meeting certain criteria including medical and fitness standards.
In addition, I also secured arrangements that will facilitate the extension of service limits of Sergeants recruited to the Permanent Defence Force since 1994. Discussions are ongoing between officials in the Department of Defence and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in respect of the nature of the arrangement.
36. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider commencing a process of engagement with key stakeholders to address the continuing concerns of Jadotville soldiers and their families to appropriately acknowledge the outstanding bravery of these Irish soldiers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23716/22]
View answerThe siege of Jadotville was a prominent event that occurred during Ireland's peacekeeping mission in the Congo in September 1961 where "A" Company, 35th Infantry Battalion, came under attack. From the 13th to the 17th September the men of “A” Company endured almost continuous attack. At the end of the Siege, the men were taken into captivity until finally released on the 25th October 1961.
The issue of awarding of Military Medals for Gallantry (MMG) and Distinguished Service Medals (DSMs) to a number of personnel who served in Jadotville in September 1961 has been considered on a number of occasions over the years and a range of actions have taken place to give due recognition to the courage and bravery of all the members of “A” Company, 35th Infantry Battalion who were stationed in Jadotville in 1961. The range of actions taken to date to recognise the bravery of the men stationed in Jadotville in 1961 include:
- A presentation of scrolls to "A" Company in 2006.
- Portraits of Lt Col McNamee (35th Battalion Commander) and Comdt Quinlan (Company Commander “A” Company) were commissioned in 2006.
- In July of 2010 the 50th anniversary of the first deployment to the Congo was commemorated in a highly publicised and well attended event in Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel. A Congo photographic book was also produced for the occasion; a section of which was dedicated to the events at Jadotville in 1961.
- A nominal roll of “A” Company, printed in copper, was affixed to the monument in Costume Barracks and was unveiled as part of the 50th Anniversary of the Jadotville affair in September 2011.
- On the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the Siege of Jadotville, it was decided to issue a Unit Citation to honour the collective actions and bravery of the men of “A” Company. This was the first time a Unit Citation was awarded within the Defence Forces.
- On 13th June 2017, the Government decided, to award a medal known as “An Bonn Jadotville” or “The Jadotville Medal” to each member of “A” Company, 35th Infantry Battalion and to the family representatives of deceased members to give full and due recognition in honour of their courageous actions at the Siege of Jadotville. This medal presentation ceremony took place in Custume Barracks, Athlone on 2nd December 2017. It is from Custume Barracks that “A” Company assembled in advance of their fateful deployment to the Congo. The “An Bonn Jadotville” or “The Jadotville Medal” has the word “Jadotville” depicted on the clasp of the medal and the medal ribbon represents a combination of an Irish tricolour and the United Nations Operation in Congo (ONUC) mission medal. The medal depicts a warrior of the ancient Fianna with sword and shield. To the left is a reproduction of the Irish overseas flash. Surrounding the central motif are the words “Cosaint Chalma” (Valiant Defence) and “Misneach” (Courage). The reverse contains a unique unit identification representing A Coy, 35 Cathlan Eireannach (Irish Battalion).
Notwithstanding the actions that have been taken to date to recognise and honour the valiant actions and bravery of all of the men stationed at Jadotville sixty years ago, an Independent Review Group (IRG) was established to examine and report on matters relating to recommendations for military medals relating to events at Jadotville. The Group reported in July 2021.
The report, which was published in full, is substantial and makes a number of recommendations in respect of the issue of award of medals, honouring the role of families and the support they provided to veterans and in respect of veterans affairs.
The deeply unsettling aftermath of Jadotville is detailed in the report as is the lack of personal welfare supports afforded to the men following events at Jadotville, their period in captivity and upon their return home. I have apologised to veterans and to their families on behalf of the State and the Government to the men of ‘A’ Company, 35th Infantry Battalion and to their families for the lack of necessary supports or deserved recognition of their valiant service on their return from the Congo and for the many issues that arose as a result, some of which had tragic consequences. I have also acknowledged that the lack of supports in place at that time is extremely regrettable. There have been great steps in the intervening years to support Defence Forces personnel, their families and veterans through the work of the Defence Forces personnel support services.
A judicial review is under way at present regarding a recommendation of the IRG report relating to the convening of a Military Board to consider the award of medals. Given that the matter is now before the Courts, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on the report at this time.
I am satisfied, however, that the matter has been addressed comprehensively and there are no plans to commence a process of further engagement.
39. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Defence if his Department carried out investigations into the HSE cyber-attack in May 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23495/22]
View answerMy colleague Minister Ryan, as Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, retains overall responsibility for cyber security at a national level but, of course, the response to cyber threats is a whole-of-Government challenge with inputs in the security domain from An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces. I would also note that An Garda Síochána has the role of investigating and prosecuting cybercrime.
The primary role of the Defence Forces with regard to cyber security relates to the defence and security of its own networks and systems. The Defence Forces and the Department of Defence work with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications on an on-going basis in the delivery of measures to improve the cyber security of the State. This is being done in line with the Programme for Government commitment to implement the National Cyber Security Strategy, recognizing the potential and important role of the Defence Forces.
40. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Defence if there has been progress on extending the service of Post-1994 Sergeants to the age of 50 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23790/22]
View answer52. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Defence when the review on mandatory retirement ages for the Defence Forces personnel will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23793/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 52 together.
A civil/military review of mandatory retirement ages and service limits of all ranks in the Permanent Defence Force has been conducted. The recommendations arising from the review require consideration from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to implications on costs and pensions.
In December 2021, I secured agreement with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, which allows for an extension in service limits for Privates and Corporals, who were recruited to the Permanent Defence Force since 1 January 1994, to remain in service up to 50 years of age, subject to them meeting certain criteria including medical and fitness standards.
Currently, Sergeants recruited to the Permanent Defence Force post 1994 may remain in service up to age 50. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has agreed that there shall be arrangements to facilitate the extension of service limits of Sergeants recruited to the Permanent Defence Force post 1994. Discussions are ongoing between officials in the Department of Defence and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in respect of the nature of the arrangement.
Other recommendations in the review relating to Commissioned Officers and senior Non-Commissioned Officer ranks, are being considered in the forum of an Inter-Departmental Working Group, which the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has established, to consider mandatory retirement ages and service limits for public service groups who have fast accrual pension arrangements.
42. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline Ireland’s plans for Defence Force funding and recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23596/22]
View answerThe overall Defence Vote Group allocation is determined on an annual basis within the overarching budgetary framework and approved by Dáil Éireann, having regard to the level of resources available and defence policy requirements. Thus, for 2022, the total gross allocation provided to the Defence Vote Group, as set out in Budget 2022, is €1,107 million, comprising of €836 million for Vote 36 (Defence) and €271 million for Vote 35 (Army Pensions).
The 2022 allocation includes an allocation of over €545 million for the pay and allowances of members of the Permanent Defence Force, civil servants and civilian employees. Public Service pay policy is determined by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, having regard to Public Sector Pay Agreements. The Department of Defence does not have discretion to award separate pay increases. The Defence Forces continue to have received pay increases in line with the Public Service pay agreements.
Capital funding allocations are also framed by the multi-annual National Development Plan. The White Paper on Defence, updated in 2019, highlighted the importance of capability development and the necessity for continued renewal, upgrade and acquisition of military equipment and infrastructure. To this end, the National Development Plan has allocated multi-annual funding of €566 million to Defence out to 2025, with an allocation of €141 million per annum provided for 2022 and 2023 and €142 million per annum for 2024 and 2025.
In relation to the current staffing challenges in the Defence Forces, various recruitment and retention initiatives are being implemented, including
- An Ongoing General Service Recruitment Campaign;
- Direct Entry Officers competitions for Bridge Watch-keeping, Marine Engineering and Electrical Engineering roles;
- Direct Entry ‘Other Ranks’ competitions for Engine Room Artificers, Hull Artificers, Electrical Artificers, Radio/Radar Technicians and Chefs.
- An Air Corps Aircraft Apprentice Technician competition;
- A Cadetship competition for all branches will commence shortly;
- An extension to the Air Corps Service Commitment Scheme;
- An extension of the Naval Service Tax Credit of €1,500 into 2022;
- An ongoing scheme allowing for the re-commissioning of former Officers and the re-enlistment of former enlisted personnel of the Permanent Defence Force has also assisted in addressing particular skills gaps.
As the Deputy will be aware, the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces was recently published. There is a process underway to consider the many detailed recommendations in that report, including in relation to funding and recruitment. This necessarily requires widespread consultation. The intent is to revert to Government with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in advance of the summer recess. As the Deputy will appreciate, it would be inappropriate for me at this time to pre-empt an ongoing deliberative process.
